Topics
The Godfather Was Right Not To Cut The Death Described As "Unduly Vivid" By Censors
The Godfather is known for its shocking violence, but Francis Ford Coppola had to fight to keep one of its most brutal death scenes. Coppola’s gangster classic has come to represent the New Hollywood movement, which featured more explicit depictions of violence than audiences were used to at the time.
Although The Godfather was released at a time when violence was becoming more widely accepted in Hollywood movies, the MPAA still objected to the “unduly vivid” nature of Luca Brasi’s death scene after Paramount sent them a script for approval. (via The Godfather Treasures by Peter Cowie) Despite the Association’s warnings, Paramount chose to keep the scene, and this proved to be a wise choice.
The MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) changed its name to the MPA (Motion Picture Association) in 2019.
Luca Brasi’s Brutal Death Scene Is Necessary For The Godfather’s Story
The Godfather Wouldn’t Feel As Dramatic Without A Dash Of Violence
If The Godfather had cut Luca Brasi’s death scene, or watered it down to make it less confronting, the whole movie would feel different. This scene is necessary to show the very real and lethal threats to the Corleone family, and it sets up Vito’s shooting, Sonny’s death and more.
The Godfather often explores organized crime from quiet offices filled with well-dressed men. Luca Brasi’s death is one glimpse into the shocking reality that sustains the Corleone family’s luxurious way of life. This scene casts their entire existence in a new light, including the reserved, classy Vito.
Related
The Godfather Has An Unnoticed Moment Of Genius That Led To One Of The Best Movie Scenes Ever
The Godfather’s famous restaurant scene features a small detail that is easy to overlook but helps make it one of the most iconic movie moments.
The ending of The Godfather is recognized as one of the most impactful movie finales ever made, but Michael’s transition to becoming the new Don Corleone only hits so hard because of the bloodshed that he has had to endure. Initially a conscientious objector, Michael soon wades into the family business, knowing full well the war that he’s signing up for.
The Godfather has a great cast, and some of the minor characters often get overshadowed by the likes of Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and James Caan. Lenny Montana only has a few scenes, but he helps make Luca Brasi hard to forget. His performance in the death scene sells the brutality of the event, in contrast to some of The Godfather‘s subtler scenes.
Luca Brasi’s Death Wasn’t The Only Scene In The Godfather Flagged By The MPAA
The MPAA Tried To Make The Godfather A Radically Different Movie
Of course, Luca Brasi’s murder is far from the only moment of disturbing violence in The Godfather. In fact, it doesn’t immediately spring to mind when considering the most startling and upsetting scenes in the movie. The MPAA included several other key scenes in their letter to Paramount.
The image of the horse’s head in the bed has become iconic, but this is one scene that the MPAA objected to.
The image of the horse’s head in the bed has become iconic, but this is one scene that the MPAA objected to. The Association also flagged Sonny’s brutal assault of Carlo, his sex scene near the beginning, Michael’s shooting in the restaurant, and the “going to the mattresses” montage of killings.
Fortunately, Paramount and Coppola resisted the pressure from the MPAA, keeping The Godfather‘s violent streak intact. It wouldn’t make sense to make a movie about organized crime without a few moments that can shock the system, especially one that juxtaposes the Corleone family’s life with their business like The Godfather.
